LCI has begun the delivery of dedicated offshore wind helicopters in the United States of America. The helicopters are leased under long-term arrangements to HeliService USA, with plans to operate services for Ørsted and General Electric based in Quonset, RI, and Martha’s Vineyard, MA.
Jaspal Jandu, Chief Executive, LCI commented: “LCI is honoured to be enabling the USA’s first offshore wind helicopter operations, which are mission critical and socially responsible. Modern helicopters emit up to five times less CO2 per passenger compared with offshore crew transfer vessels, and they will underpin the growth of this exciting new energy future. HeliService USA’s ability to leverage an unrivalled track record makes them a natural and trusted operator for the nascent offshore wind sector in the USA.”
Michael Tosi, Managing Director, HeliService USA, says: “Helicopters are vital to efficient offshore wind operations, and we are excited to be bringing proven procedures and strong safety culture to this new clean energy industry. Working in partnership with LCI, and leveraging the experience of the world`s largest offshore wind helicopter operator (HeliService in Europe), we look forward to supporting our customer’s offshore wind operations using these state-of-the art assets.”
LCI claims that the Leonardo AW169 helicopters, one of which will be a factory-built new machine, are valued at over $20 million and are designed to perform a wide range of mission-critical operations like hoisting systems to airlift technicians to and from wind turbines and can operate across a variety of sea states.